By Razeen Gutta
Arsenal ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start with a statement 2-1 comeback win in a fiery London derby at the Emirates on Sunday.
Chelsea, transformed under new boss Xabi Alonso, struck after just 77 seconds through summer signing Morgan Rogers.
Reece James’ free-kick was not cleared by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, allowing the former Aston Villa midfielder to fire low past David Raya for Arsenal’s first conceded goal of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s champions, who have now won three from three, responded emphatically to do so.
Kai Havertz equalised against his old club in the 25th minute, drifting in from the right to beat new Chelsea keeper Emiliano Martinez at his near post with a low drive through Maxence Lacroix’s legs.
Arsenal won it five minutes after half-time with a superb team move. Christos Tzolis threaded a clever pass to Havertz, whose dummy released Odegaard to slot home from 10 yards.
Chelsea pushed late, with Pedro Neto hitting the post and Estevao Willian denied by Raya, while Malo Gusto blazed over.
The result leaves second-placed Arsenal behind leaders Manchester City on goals scored.
Elsewhere on the day, Everton leveled twice to eventually secure a point against Manchester United.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring just after the break before Tyrique George’s first Everton goal made it 1-1 in the closing stages.
The Red Devils thought they had earned the late win when Benjamin Sesko made it 2-1 in the 88th minute, but debutant Maitland-Niles netted in the sixth minute of stoppage time to give the Merseysiders a point.
All eyes will now turn to continental football when the Uefa Champions League kicks off in midweek.
Pictured above: Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard
Source: @premierleague
